Domaine TEMPIER (Bandol) -- Recent Red Wines
You’ll find more about this great estate in my previous commentary on the reds of 2020 and 2019.
2020 Bandol Lulu et Lucien
As with the 2019, I have found more than one lot of this wine on the market. My previous comments on the wine purchased in Paris are here, and this is a bottle imported into the United States. This wine shows less reduction and in that sense is more “modern” with good dark fruits in the nose and mouth. This wine is young and should continue to improve for a number of years. Cork closure. 14.5% stated alcohol. Lot LR 20 06. 92/A
2021 Bandol Lulu et Lucien
The 2021 Lulu et Lucien is round and open with a sensual texture to go with dark fruits and wild Provençal herbs. It’s a joy to drink now but has the balance for long aging. Typical makeup of this wine is 75% Mourvèdre, 14% Grenache, 9% Cinsault, 2% Carignan. Cork closure. 14% stated alcohol. 92/A
2021 Bandol La Migoua
This is La Migoua in all its glory with opulent dark berry fruit, minerality, and the smooth, rich texture. The wine needs some time to open; ideally, I’d keep it 5-7 years before starting to drink, but it with airing, it can be drunk now. A worthy successor to the great 2020. 50% Mourvèdre, 20% Grenache, 26% Cinsault, 4% Syrah. Cork closure. 14% stated alcohol. 94(+)/A
2021 Bandol La Tourtine
Given the high Mourvèdre content, it’s hardly surprising that this wine takes a long time to open up. If you serve it young, give it a long decant. The wine shows Mourvèdre-earthy dark fruits, minerality, depth, and penetration, plus plenty of structure. This is for serving with strong-flavored dishes, not subtle ones, and expect 10+ years until this wine is fully mature. 80% Mourvèdre, 10% Grenache, 10% Cinsault. Cork closure. 14% stated alcohol. 93+/A
2021 Bandol Cabassaou
The rare and spectacular Cabassaou is intense and deep with minerality to its blackberry fruit and great depth and penetration. You can drink it now, as the tannins are relatively round, but definitely save some for 15-20 years down the road when it should be even more amazing. 95% from Mourvèdre with 4% Syrah and 1% Cinsault. Cork closure. 14% stated alcohol. 96(+)/A+
2022 Bandol Lulu et Lucien
The 2022 Lulu et Lucien is still quite primary. It shows plenty of blueberry fruit in the nose and mouth and is medium-full with still a little prickle on the palate from dissolved CO2. The tannins are round, permitting early drinking, and on the palate, the wine feels lower in acidity than usual, although not deficient, Cork closure. 14% stated alcohol. Lot LR 22 06 22. 90(+)/B+